Meet Matthew Vilichay | Podcaster, Performer & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Vilichay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My parents are Cambodian refugees, and I grew up in small-town Georgia as one of the only Asians in the county. That meant learning fast — you adapt, you evolve, or you get eaten alive. I turned awkward stares and stereotypes into punchlines, making people laugh before they knew what to make of me.

Straight out of high school, I landed in the top three of a Warner Brothers talent competition and spent years working as their on-air talent. Since then, I’ve hit stages across Atlanta doing improv, but these days I’m building my own thing, a podcast where I dive into race, religion, and everyday chaos with humor sharp enough to cut through the noise. Because if you’re not laughing, you’re crying… and I’ve cried enough for all of us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My calling hit me the moment I landed in the top three of a Warner Brothers talent contest — I’d never felt more alive. That moment lit a fire that’s driven every decision since, whether I’m working a crowd of thousands or connecting one-on-one, always giving 150%.

These days, my podcast is my home base — a space with no time limits, no censors, and the freedom to dig deep. I’ve learned that everyone has a story worth telling. People either think their life’s too boring or too wild, but I’ve yet to meet someone uninteresting. We’ve all faced something, fought through it, and come out changed — that’s the fuel for my humor and my hosting.

From growing up in small-town Georgia as one of the only Asians in the county to performing on Atlanta stages, I’m building a platform that proves one truth: no matter where you start, your story matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take my best friend straight to the Beltline for a week of Atlanta’s best. Day one starts at Vesta Fitboxing with Alixx — my go-to for a killer workout that sets the tone. Midweek, we’d hit oysters at BeetleCat, steaks at Rathbun’s, and Italian at Yeppa, soaking in the outdoor energy and live music. I’d also make sure they get the city’s best fade from Johnny at Freedom Barber — hands down, nobody does it better. Nights would flow from live music to just chilling along the trail. Back in my 20s, we club-hopped and dressed to kill, but these days, this laid-back scene — surrounded by good friends like Alixx and Johnny — beats it all. The Beltline is where Atlanta’s soul really shines.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my parents, their “fly low” advice wasn’t just words, it was muscle memory. Like the time cops harassed me as a kid for my skin color…I was hotheaded, ready to swing, but their voices were in my head, physically holding me back. That moment kept me out of jail.

Shoutout to my sisters, we’ve trauma-bonded through hell and back, and I couldn’t (or wouldn’t) be here without their rock-solid support.

Shoutout to my friends, for always keeping it 100 with me, just like I do with them.

And shoutout to my wife and kids, you’re my ultimate why, the fire behind every risk, every push, and every win.

Instagram: @doorsopenpodcast

Youtube: @doorsopenpodcast

Other: TikTok @doorsopenpodcast
TikTok @breakingbad_dad

Image Credits
Katie Vilichay